THE NEXT INSTALMENT OF - How I got here.
The world of events includes lots of roles you may expect and lots of roles that you may be more intrigued by. The industry also calls different jobs by different names, so it can be quite tricky to navigate.
Our next team member to feature in our ‘How I got Here’ series focuses on a very different role to our last post, featuring our creative powerhouse Tom Westrop – Hyphen’s Creative Director.
Tom is the creative lead across all of our executions, responsible for spearheading the overall design, creating cohesive and thematic styles.
We asked Tom to talk us through his career to date and to offer any advice (and hopefully some inspiration) to the next gen or peers along the way:
Let’s start with education which is always one of the questions we regularly get asked, i.e. do you need to do an events management degree etc
I started out at art college, then headed to university to study Architecture. But during my first year, my mate was doing Engineering Product Design, and something about it just clicked with me (well, except for the maths bit). So, I made the switch.
Tell us a bit more about that first events job and what you learnt and or changed ahead of your next industry role
During my Product Design degree, I completed a placement year with Ahrend, a furniture design and space solutions company. One standout project was the launch of their latest high-end glass table. I threw myself into creating adverts for Design Week, designing all the 2D collateral, and even directing the launch film, which was shot at some of London’s most iconic landmarks. The grand finale? A launch event at the top of the Gherkin. From that moment, I was hooked—there was no turning back!
And from there - what was your next move?
My first 'proper job' was as a 3D Designer at Malcolm Harvey, part of a tiny team where you got stuck into a bit of everything – sketching up concepts, 3D visualising, graphic design, technical drawings, and battling with the dreaded large-format printer (that thing was pure evil). On top of that, you'd often be out on-site, sticking up vinyls or sprucing up stands. It was a whirlwind introduction to the events world – chaotic, eye-opening, and absolutely packed with hands-on experience.
What was the best event/activation you have worked on and why?
It’s hard to pick just one, but playing God and controlling the weather must be up the top of the list—making it snow at Goodwood for Volvo and bringing Brazilian conditions to the streets of London for Lucozade during the World Cup are definite highlights.
Who would you say is the best client/brand you have worked with and why?
From partying at Pub in the Park to pulling off epic launches with dream collaborations, pop-up shops popping up everywhere from Battersea Power Station to the middle of The Strand, complete with unforgettable live experiences. Throw in the chance to create world-class hospitality for their very own race series, all alongside an absolutely brilliant team. It could only be Porsche!
Why do you choose to work in the industry and what gets you out of bed in the morning?
There aren’t many industries where you can have an idea, and a week later it’s brought to life. It’s fast-paced—both a blessing and a curse—but it’s the variety and speed that truly make it so exciting and get you up in the morning.
What was the best piece of advice you were given in your career?
Stop listening to advice. The events world moves at breakneck speed, so back yourself and trust your gut!
What advice would you give to someone looking to get started in the industry?
Creative industries are changing at lightning speed—new trends popping up, shiny new software to master, and the rise of AI robots (be nice to them; you never know when they’ll be in charge). What’s worked for me is building a solid foundation across all design disciplines and staying clued up on the latest developments. Having that broad knowledge helps you craft integrated campaigns and opens doors to all sorts of roles. Oh, and don’t forget to get yourself a side hustle—it keeps things fresh and can spark some brilliant ideas for your day job. Obviously don’t listen to this advise!
One thing you wouldn’t do again ?
Working in a team where roles are all muddled is the worst—stepping on toes, duplicating work, and second-guessing whether your teammates will pull their weight. Well-honed teams are where it’s at—where everyone trusts each other, owns their roles, and pulls together like a proper crew to get the job done.
Tell us who would be your dream client?
I've not got a clue where to begin - there are far too many to pick from! But I’d love to bring a brand to life like Opumo— fusing fashion, interior design, and classic cars. I’ve got a bit of a plant obsession (Monstera, Bird of Paradise, Trachycarpus—you name it), so maybe something with Kew Gardens or creating a mini ‘Eden Project X’. And, embarrassingly, I still love a bit of trash TV… so perhaps making the ultimate holiday destination ‘Love Island Escapes’
